Mediating method and device

ABSTRACT

A mediating method by a mediating device comprises receiving a first list including at least one item from a first terminal and receiving at least one list from at least one terminal different from the first terminal, searching for a list including an item corresponding to at least one item among the at least one item of the first list, among the received at least one list, and transmitting information on the corresponded item, according to a result of the search, to each of the first terminal and a terminal which provides the list including the item corresponding to the at least one item among the at least one terminal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/KR2018/001315, filed Jan. 31, 2018 which claims priority from KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2017-0070573, filed on Jun. 7, 2017, in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate to a mediating method and device, whichare capable of efficiently mediating at least two terminals with oneanother.

BACKGROUND ART

With the development of communication technology and the miniaturizationof electronic devices, easily portable personal terminals have becomewidespread to general consumers. In particular, portable personalterminals such as smartphones or smart tablets have been widely used inrecent years. Most of the terminals include a communication function. Auser may use a terminal to perform a search on the Internet or exchangemessages with the other party.

The user and the other party may already be acquainted or may not beacquainted with each other. A mediating device may connect a pluralityof terminals including the terminal of the user and the terminal of theother party with one another. The mediating device can mediate theterminal of the user and the terminal of the other party with eachother. Therefore, even if the user and the other party do not know eachother, they may exchange their messages with each other throughmediating device.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

One or more embodiments may provide a mediating method and device, whichare capable of efficiently mediating a plurality of terminals with oneanother

Further, one or more embodiments may provide a mediating method anddevice, which are capable of mediating an appropriate user among usersof a plurality of terminals to match with a user of another terminal

Further, one or more embodiments may provide a mediating method anddevice, which are capable of allowing each user of a plurality ofterminals to expand her or his interpersonal relationship through amediation service.

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mediating methodmay comprise receiving a first list including at least one item from afirst terminal and receiving at least one list from at least oneterminal different from the first terminal, searching for a listincluding an item corresponding to at least one item among the at leastone item of the first list, among the received at least one list, andtransmitting information on the corresponded item, according to a resultof the search, to each of the first terminal and a terminal whichprovides the list including the item corresponding to the at least oneitem among the at least one terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the searching forthe list may include searching for a second list including the same itemas the at least one item of the first list, in which the number of thesame item is a reference number or higher among the received at leastone list and mediating the first terminal and a second terminalproviding the second list among the at least one terminal. Further, thetransmitting the information may include transmitting information on thesame item between the first list and the second list to each of thefirst terminal and the second terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the searching forthe list may further comprise selecting, when the number of listsincluding the same item in which the number of the same item is thereference number or higher is two or more among the received at leastone list, a third list including the same item in which the number ofthe same item is highest among the two or more lists and mediating thefirst terminal and a third terminal providing the third list. Further,the transmitting the information may further comprise transmittinginformation on the same item between the first list and the third listto each of the first terminal and the third terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the searching forthe list may include assigning different scores from each other,depending on the conformity degree between a priority rank-assigned itemamong the at least one item included in the first list and a priorityrank-assigned item included in each of the received at least one list,to the items and selecting a second list among the received at leastlist based on the assigned scores.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a list having thehighest assigned score may be selected from the received at least onelist as the second list.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least oneitem included in the first list may correspond to at least one of genderinformation, private area information, school information, hobbyinformation, specialty information, interest information, or religioninformation of a user of the first terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the searching forthe list may include searching for a second list including the same itemas a specified item designated by a mediating device, which is includedin the first list among the received at least one list and mediating,when detecting the second list, the first terminal and a second terminalproviding the second list among the at least one terminal, and whereinthe transmitting the information may include transmitting information onthe same item between the first list and the second list to each of thefirst terminal and the second terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the searching forthe list may further comprise searching for, when failing to detect thesecond list, a third list including the same item as the at least oneitem of the first list, in which the number of the same item is areference number or higher among the received at least one list andmediating the first terminal and a third terminal providing the thirdlist. Further, the transmitting the information may further comprisetransmitting information on the same item between the first list and thethird list to each of the first terminal and the third terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the searching forthe list may include searching for a second list including the same itemas at least one among the at least one item, which is included in thefirst list among the received at least one list and mediating, whendetecting the second list, the first terminal and a second terminalproviding the second list. Further, the transmitting the information mayinclude transmitting information on the same item between the first listand the second list to each of the first terminal and the secondterminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the searching forthe list may further comprise searching for, when failing to detect thesecond list, a third list including an item fallen in the same categoryas that of the at least one among the at least one item of the firstlist among the received at least one list and mediating the firstterminal and a third terminal providing the third list. Further, thetransmitting the information may further comprise transmittinginformation on the category to each of the first terminal and the thirdterminal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program forexecuting one mediating method as described above.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mediating devicemay comprise an input/output interface configured to receive a firstlist including at least one item from a first terminal and to receive atleast one list from at least one terminal different from the firstterminal, a controller configured to search a second list including anitem corresponding to a first-ranked item among the at least one itemincluded in the first list among the received at least one list, tomediate between the first terminal and a second terminal providing thesecond list to perform a first video communication according a result ofthe search, to calculate a first satisfaction level of a user of thefirst terminal during the first video communication, to search for,after the first video communication is finished, a third list includingan item corresponding to a second-ranked item among the at least oneitem included in the first list among the received at least one list, tomediate between the first terminal and a third terminal providing thethird list to perform a second video communication according a result ofthe search, to calculate a second satisfaction level of a user of thefirst terminal during the second video communication, to compare thefirst satisfaction level and the second satisfaction level, and toadjust the priority rank of the first-ranked item and the second-rankeditem according to the result of the comparison, and a memory configuredto store the first list through the third list.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller mayadjust the second-ranked item of the first list to a new first-rankeditem and adjust the first-ranked item to a new second-ranked item whenthe second satisfaction level is higher than the first satisfactionlevel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the firstsatisfaction level may be calculated based on duration of the firstvideo communication, and the second satisfaction level may be calculatedbased on duration of the second video communication.

Advantageous Effects

One or more embodiments may provide a mediating method and device, whichare capable of efficiently mediating a plurality of terminals with oneanother

Further, one or more embodiments may provide a mediating method anddevice, which are capable of mediating an appropriate user among usersof a plurality of terminals to match with a user of another terminal

Further, one or more embodiments may provide a mediating method anddevice, which are capable of allowing each user of a plurality ofterminals to expand her or his interpersonal relationship through amediation service.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram illustrating an environment ofa mediating system in which a mediating device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure operates.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mediatingdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of selecting a firstlist in a first terminal according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of selecting a firstlist in a first terminal according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method of selecting a firstlist in a first terminal according to still another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a mediating method by a mediatingdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a reference view illustrating a plurality of lists stored in amediating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a reference view illustrating a method of displayinginformation on the same item by a first terminal according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a mediating method by a mediatingdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching for a terminalwhich provides a list including the same item as one on a first list, inwhich the number of the same item is a reference number or higher,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a reference view illustrating a list including the same itemas one on a first list, in which the number of the same item is areference number or higher, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a reference view illustrating a list including the same itemas one on a first list, in which the number of the same item is areference number or higher, according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of selecting a list basedon scores assigned according to items ordered by priority rank accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a reference view illustrating a list including the same itemas at least one item on a first list according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching for a listincluding a specified item designated by a mediating device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching for a terminalproviding a list including an item having the same category according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a reference view illustrating categories of items accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a reference view illustrating a method of adjusting the orderby priority rank of at least one item in real-time according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a reference view illustrating a method of displaying aquestion for acquiring additional items except for at least one itemfrom a first terminal according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and a method ofachieving the same will be more clearly understood from embodimentsdescribed below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.However, the present disclosure is not limited to the followingembodiments and may be implemented in various different forms. Theembodiments are provided merely to complete the present disclosure andto provide those of ordinary skill in the art with the category of thepresent disclosure. The present disclosure is defined only by theclaims. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the specification to refer to the same or like components.

It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used to describe various components, these components should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone component from another. Therefore, a first component used herein maybe a second component within the technical scope of the presentdisclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodimentsand is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, thesingular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understoodthat the terms “comprises” or “comprising” used in this specificationmay denote that the used components or steps do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other components and/or steps.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalsense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram illustrating an environment ofa mediating system in which a mediating device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure operates. Referring to FIG. 1, theenvironment of the mediating system may include a mediating device 100and a plurality of terminals 210 to 250.

The mediating device 100 may be a server connecting the plurality ofterminals 210 to 250 with one another. The mediating device 100 mayprovide a mediating service to transmit and receive data between theplurality of terminals 210 to 250. The mediating device 100 and theplurality of terminals 210 to 250 may be connected to a communicationnetwork. The mediating device 100 may transmit data or receive data to aplurality of terminals 210 to 250 through the communication network.

The communication network may be implemented as one of a wiredcommunication network, a wireless communication network, and a hybridcommunication network. For example, the communication network mayinclude a mobile communication network such as 3G, Long Term Evolution(LTE), or LTE-A. The communication network may include a wired orwireless communication network such as Wi-Fi, Universal Mobile TelephoneSystem/General Packet Radio Service (UMTS/GPRS), or Ethernet. Thecommunication network may include a short-range communication networksuch as Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST), Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, Z-Wave,Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or InfraRed (IR) communication.The communication network may include Local Area Network (LAN),Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), or Wide Area Network (WAN).

The mediating device 100 may receive a list from each of the pluralityof terminals 210, 230, and 250. For example, the first list receivedfrom the first terminal 210 may include at least item corresponding toat least one from gender information, private area information, schoolinformation, hobby information, specialty information, interestinformation, or religion information of the user of the first terminal210. The mediating device 100 may receive a list including an itemsimilar to or same as at least one item included in the first list fromat least one terminal 230 and 250 except for the first terminal 210.

The mediating device 100 may mediate at least two of the plurality ofterminals 210, 230, and 250 to be connected to each other. For example,the mediating device 100 may receive a mediation request from the firstterminal 210 and a first list of a user of the first terminal 210. Themediating device 100 may select a terminal to be mediated with the firstterminal 210 among the at least one terminal 230 and 250 excluding thefirst terminal 210 in response to the mediation request.

For example, the mediating device 100 may select the second terminal 230in response to the mediation request of the first terminal 210. Themediating device 100 may mediate between the first terminal 210 and thesecond terminal 230. The mediating device 100 may search for at leastone of the same item between the first list provided by the firstterminal 210 and a second list provided by the second terminal 230.

The at least one same item may refer to an item commonly included in thefirst list and the second list. For example, when each of the first listand the second list includes an item called “exercise,” the “exercise”may be on the same item. When there is the same item between the firstlist and the second list, the mediating device 100 may transmitinformation about the same item between the first list and the secondlist to each of the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230.

Further, the mediating device 100 may select a terminal of another userto be mediated by a user of the first terminal 210 based on the at leastone item included in the first list. For example, the mediating device100 may a terminal providing a list including the same item, in whichthe number of the same item is a reference number or higher, as at leastone item included in the first list, a terminal providing a listincluding the same priority-assigned at least one item as thepriority-assigned at least one item included in the first list, or aterminal providing a list including the same item as a specific itemdesignated by the mediating device and included in the first list.

Further, the mediating device 100 may select a terminal providing a listincluding an item corresponding to at least one among the at least oneitem included in the first list. For example, the corresponded item maybe an item fallen in the same category as that of at least one among theat least one item included in the first list or an item including akeyword similar to that of at least one among the at least one itemincluded in the first list. For example, when the item of “musicappreciation” is included in the first list, the item of “playing amusical instrument,” “singing,” or “composition” may be determined as anitem including a similar keyword.

For example, the mediating device 100 may select the second terminal230. The mediating device 100 may mediate between the first terminal 210and the second terminal 230. The mediating device 100 may transmitinformation on the same item between the first list and the second listto each of the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230.

The first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230 may be mediated witheach other using the information received from the mediating device 100.The first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230, which are mediatedwith each other, may transmit or receive at least one of a message, afile, an image, and a video. Further, the first terminal 210 and thesecond terminal 230, which are mediated with each other, may make a callor a video call with each other. The first terminal 210 and the secondterminal 230 may transmit or receive a message and the like via themediating device 100 or without the mediating device 100. When the firstterminal 210 and the second terminal 230 are mediated, each of the firstterminal 210 and the second terminal 230 receives information about thesame item from the mediating device 100. Each of the first terminal 210and the second terminal 230 may display information on the same item inthe form of text or image.

The plurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250 may be connected to acommunication network. The plurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250 maybe connected to another external device through a communication network.The plurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250 may be connected to themediating device 100 through a communication network. The plurality ofterminals 210, 230, and 250 may transmit data to the mediating device100 or receive data from the mediating device 100.

Each of the plurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250 may be implementedas at least one of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone,a smart tablet, a smartwatch, a mobile terminal, a digital camera, awearable device, or a portable electronic device. The at least oneterminal 210, 230, and 250 may execute programs or applications.Although only three terminals 210, 230, and 250 are illustrated in FIG.1, the terminal may be implemented in a variety of numbers.

Respective users of the plurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250 mayalready be acquainted with each other or may not be acquainted with eachother. For example, the respective users of the plurality of terminals210, 230, and 250 may be mediated with each other through the mediatingdevice 100 without knowing each other. Accordingly, users of theplurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250 may communicate with the otherparty, in which they do not know each other, through the mediation bythe mediating device 100 to expand the interpersonal relationship ofusers.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mediatingdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referringto FIGS. 1 and 2, the mediating device may comprise an input/outputinterface 110, a controller 120, and a memory 130.

The input/output interface 110 may transmit data to the outside of themediating device 100 or may receive data from the outside of themediating device 100. More specifically, the input/output interface 110may transmit data to a plurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250 or mayreceive data from a plurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250. Theinput/output interface 110 may transmit the received data to at leastone of the controller 120 and the memory 130. For example, the data mayinclude information about each user of the plurality of terminals 210,230, and 250.

For example, the input/output interface 110 may include a long-rangenetwork interface such as a 3G module, an LTE module, an LTE-A module, aWi-Fi module, a WiGig module, an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) module, or a LANcard. Further, the input/output interface 110 may include, for example,a short-range network interface such as an Magnetic Secure Transmission(MST) module, a Bluetooth module, a Near Field Communication (NFC)module, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) module, a ZigBee module,a Z-Wave module, or an InfraRed (IR) module. Further, the input/outputinterface 110 may include other network interfaces.

The controller 120 may control the overall operation of the mediatingdevice 100. For example, the controller 120 may control the operation ofthe input/output interface 110 and the memory 130. The controller 120may include a list manager 121, and a mediation interface 122. Thecontroller 120 may be configured to be implemented as a hardware circuitor may be configured to execute instruction codes of software.

The list manager 121 may manage a list received from each user of theplurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250. The list manager 121 may storethe list received from the input/output interface 110 in the memory 130.For example, the list manager 121 may store and manage the list receivedfor each terminal in the memory 130. The list manager 121 may retrievethe list stored in the memory 130 and output the list through theinput/output interface 110.

The mediation interface 122 may mediate between at least two of theplurality of terminals 210, 230, and 250. For example, when themediating device 100 receives the mediation request from the firstterminal 210, the mediating device 100 may select the second terminal230 in response to the mediation request of the first terminal 210. Themediating device 100 may mediate between the first terminal 210 and thesecond terminal 230. Further, the mediating device 100 may search forthe same item between the first list provided by the first terminal 210and the second list provided by the second terminal 230. The mediatingdevice 100 may transmit information on the same item on the first listand the second list to each of the first terminal 210 and the secondterminal 230.

Further, the mediation interface 122 may select a terminal to bemediated with the first terminal 210 based on a matching algorithm. Themediation interface 122 may select a terminal providing a list includingthe same item, in which the number of the same item is a referencenumber or higher, as at least one item included in the first list, aterminal providing a list including the same item as thepriority-assigned at least one item included in the first list, or aterminal providing a list including the same item as a specific itemdesignated by the mediating device and included in the first list baseon the matching algorithm.

Further, the mediator 122 may select a terminal providing a listincluding an item corresponding to at least one among the at least oneitem included in the first list. For example, the corresponded item maybe an item fallen in the same category as that of at least one among theat least one item included in the first list or an item including akeyword similar to that of at least one among the at least one itemincluded in the first list.

For example, the mediating device 100 may select the second terminal 230as a terminal to be matched with the first terminal 210. The mediatingdevice 100 may mediate between the first terminal 210 and the secondterminal 230. The mediating device 100 may provide each of the firstterminal 210 and the second terminal 230 with information on the sameitem on the first list and the second list.

The memory 130 may store a list received from at least one of theinput/output interface 110 or the controller 120. Further, the memory130 may provide the stored list to at least one of the input/outputinterface 110 or the controller 120. For example, the memory 130 maystore a list corresponding to each of the plurality of terminals 210,230, and 250. Further, information on a category of at least one itemincluded in the list received from each of the plurality of terminals210, 230, and 250 may be included.

The memory 130 may be implemented using a nonvolatile memory. Forexample, the nonvolatile memory may be implemented using one among flashmemory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electricallyerasable read-only memory (EEROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), and hard disk drive (HDD). Further, the memory 130 may furtherinclude volatile memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) andstatic random access memory (SRAM). Further, the memory 130 may bemanaged using a database scheme.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of selecting a firstlist at a first terminal according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the first terminal 210 maydisplay a plurality of items to obtain a list of information of a user.For example, the plurality of items may be illustrated in keywords suchas “exercise,” “pet,” “movie,” “travel,” “language,” “romance,”“religion,” “social networking service (SNS),” “music appreciation,”“alcohol,” “food,” or “restaurant.” The plurality of items illustratedin FIG. 3 are only one embodiment for a description of the presentdisclosure, and the plurality of items may be set to various keywords.

A user of the first terminal 210 may select at least one item among aplurality of items displayed on the first terminal 210. For example, theuser of the first terminal 210 may select items such as “pet” 310,“movie” 320, “romance” 330, and “food” 340. The items such as “pet” 310,“movie” 320, “romance” 330, and “food” 340 may be the first list of theuser of the first terminal 210.

When the user of the first terminal 210 selects at least one item amongthe plurality of items, the order of the plurality of items displayed onthe first terminal 210 may be re-arranged. The at least one itemselected by the user of the first terminal 210 (e.g., “pet” 310, “movie”320, “romance” 330, and “food” 340) may be arranged prior tonon-selected items.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method for selecting the firstlist in the first terminal according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the user of thefirst terminal 210 may select at least one item among a plurality ofitems. In addition, the user of the first terminal 210 may determine theorder by priority rank of the selected at least one item.

The order by priority rank of at least one item may be determined invarious ways. For example, the order by priority rank of at least oneitem may be determined in the order selected by the user of the firstterminal 210. First, when the user of the first terminal 210 selects theitem of “pet” 310, the item of “pet” 310 may be the first-ranked item,and second, the item of “movie” 320 is selected, the item of “movie” 320may be the second-ranked item. Third, when the item of “love” 330 isselected, the item of “love” 330 may be the third-ranked item.

As another example, the user of the first terminal 210 may drag adesired item to input it in each ranked position. For example, theplurality of items may be displayed on the first terminal 210. The userof the first terminal 210 may touch select a desired item among aplurality of items to select it and may drag the selected item to thefirst-ranked to third-ranked positions. The three ranks shown in FIG. 4are only embodiments for a description of the order by priority rank,and the number of ranked positions may be implemented in variousnumbers.

Referring to FIG. 4, information on the priority rank assigned to theitem may be displayed on an upper portion of the screen of the firstterminal 210. Further, items selected other than one having the priority(e.g., the item of “food” 340) and unselected items may be displayedunder the prioritized items. Further, items selected other than onehaving the priority (e.g., the item of “food” 340) may be preferentiallyarranged over the unselected items. The display configuration of thefirst terminal 210 shown in FIG. 4 is only one embodiment for adescription of the present disclosure, the prioritized items, theselected non-prioritized items, and the unselected items may bedisplayed in various forms.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method of selecting the firstlist in the first terminal according to still another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1, and 3 to 5, the user of thefirst terminal 210 may directly input at least one item included in thefirst list. The at least one item input by the user of the firstterminal 210 may be displayed as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The user of the first terminal 210 may input the at least one itemthrough a speech recognition method or a touch recognition method. Forexample, the user of the first terminal 210 may input keywords, forexample, “cycling,” “Christianity,” “restaurant tour,” “Instagram,”“romance movie,” and “puppy” as an item. The items such as “cycling,”“Christianity,” “restaurant tour,” “Instagram,” “romance movie,” and“puppy” may be in the first list of the users of the first terminal 210.

Further, the user of the first terminal 210 may determine the order bypriority rank of the at least one item. For example, the priority rankof at least one item may be assigned in the order input by the user ofthe first terminal 210. Alternatively, the user of the first terminal210 may input at least one item and assign the priority rank to at leastone among the at least one item.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the user of the first terminal210 may select at least one item among a plurality of items specified.On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the user of thefirst terminal 210 may directly input at least one item. Therefore, inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the user of the first terminal 210 mayinput information including more various kinds of items.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a mediating method by a mediatingdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referringto FIGS. 1 to 6, in operation S110, the mediating device 100 may receivea first list from the first terminal 210 and may receive at least onelist from at least one terminal 230 and 250 different from the firstterminal. The first list may be produced as described with reference toFIGS. 3 to 5.

In operation S120, the mediating device 100 may provide a mediationservice between the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230selected from the at least one terminal 230 and 250. For example, thesecond terminal 230 may be selected randomly. In operation S130, themediating device 100 may determine whether there is the same itembetween the first list and the second list received from the secondterminal 230 among the received at least one list. A method ofdetermining whether there is the same item between the first list andthe second list may be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a reference view illustrating a plurality of lists stored in amediating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the memory 130 may store lists A to C.The lists A to C may be received from each of the remaining ones of theplurality of terminals 210, 230 and 250, except for the first terminal210.

The list A may include items such as “pet,” “SNS,” “music,” and“baseball.” The list B may include items such as “SNS,” “alcohol,”“restaurant,” and “exercise.” The list C may include items such as“religion,” “alcohol,” “restaurant,” “art,” and “exercise.” For example,the list A may be a second list received from second terminal 230. Thefirst list and the list A commonly include the item of “pet.” In such acase, the item of “pet” may be the same item. Therefore, the mediatingdevice 100 may select the item of “pet” as the same item between thefirst list and the list A.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in operation S140, the mediating device 100may transmit information on at least one the same item to each of thefirst terminal 210 and the second terminal 220 according to the resultof the determination. For example, when it is determined that there isthe same item between the first list and the second list, the mediatingdevice 100 may transmit information on the same item to the firstterminal 210. The method in which information on the same item isdisplayed on the first terminal will be described with reference to FIG.8.

FIG. 8 is a reference view illustrating a method of displayinginformation on the same item by the first terminal according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, when thefirst terminal 210 is mediated to the second terminal 230 by themediating service, users of the first terminal 210 and the secondterminal 230 may make a video communication with each other.

When a video communication is performed between the first terminal 210and the second terminal 230, information on the same item may bedisplayed on the screen of the first terminal 210. For example, when thesame item is the item of “pet,” the image and text of “pet” (forexample, “WE BOTH LIKE PETS”) may be displayed on the screen of thefirst terminal 210. Further, information on the same item may beprovided to a video communication corresponded terminal (e.g., thesecond terminal 230) of the first terminal 210.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a mediating method by the mediatingdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, 7, and 9, in operation S210, the mediatingdevice 100 may receive the first list from the first terminal 210 andmay receive at least one list from the at least one terminal 230 and 250different from the first terminal 210. The first list may be produced ina similar or the same way as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

In operation S220, the mediating device 100 may search for a second listthat includes the same item as at least one among the at least one itemon the first list among the at least one item. For example, themediating device 100 may search for a list including the same item as atleast one item on the at least one list stored in the memory 130. Themethod by which the mediating device 100 searches for a list includingthe same item as one of the first list will be described with referenceto FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 7, and 9, the memory 130 of the mediating device100 may store information received from each of the plurality ofterminals 210, 230, and 250. For example, the first list received by themediating device 100 may include items such as “pet,” “movie,”“romance,” and “food.”

The mediating device 100 may search for a list including the same itemas one of the first list among the lists A to C stored in the memory130. The first list and the list A commonly include the item of “pet.”Therefore, the mediating device 100 may select the item of “pet” as thesame item between the first list and the list A. For example, the list Amay be the same as the second list received from second terminal 230.

Referring again to FIG. 9, in operation S230, the mediating device 100may mediate the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230 whichprovides the second list among the at least one terminal 230 and 250according to the searching result. Further, in operation S240, themediating device 100 may transmit information on the same item to eachof the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230. The firstterminal 210 may display information on the same item in similar or thesame as the method shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching for a terminalwhich provides a list including the same item as one of a first list, inwhich the number of the same item is a reference number or higher,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS.2, 6, and 10, in operation S221, the mediating device 100 may search fora list including the same item as at least one item included in thefirst list, in which the number of the same item is a reference numberor higher. For example, the reference number may be three. This is onlyone embodiment for a description of the present disclosure, and thereference number may be set variously.

In operation S222, the mediating device 100 may determine whether thereare two or more lists in which the number of the lists is a referencenumber or higher. For example, when there is one list in which thenumber of the same item is a reference number or higher, in operationS223, the mediating device 100 may select the one list in which thenumber of the same item is a reference number or higher as the secondlist. This may be described with reference to FIG. 11

FIG. 11 is a reference view illustrating a list including the same itemas one of a first list, in which the number of the same item is areference number or higher, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11, the memory 130 may store listsD to F. The lists D to F may be received from each of the remaining onesof the plurality of terminals 210, 230 and 250, except for the firstterminal 210. Further, referring to FIG. 3, the first list received fromthe first terminal 210 may include items such as “pet,” “movie,”“romance,” and “food.”

The list D may include items such as “pet,” “movie,” “SNS,” and “food.”The list E may include items such as “pet,” “exercise,” “food,” and“baseball.” The list F may include items such as “religion,” “alcohol,”“restaurant,” “art,” and “pet.” The lists D to F are only embodimentsfor a description of the present disclosure, and the number of lists maybe proportional to the number of the plurality of terminals 230 and 250.Further, at least one item included in each of the lists D to F may beset variously.

The same items between the first list and the list D may be the items of“pet,” “movie,” “love,” and “food.” The same items between the firstlist and the list E may be the items of “pet” and “food.” Further, thesame item between the first list and the list F may be “pet.” In such acase, a list in which the number of the same item is reference number orhigher (e.g., three) may be the list D. Accordingly, the mediatingdevice 100 may select the list D.

When it is determined in operation S222 that the number of lists inwhich the number of the same item is a reference number or higher is twoor more, in operation s224, the mediating device 100 may select a listin which the number of the same items is highest among the two or morelists. This may be described with reference to FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is a reference view illustrating a list including the same itemas one of the first list, in which the number of the same item is areference number or more, according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 12, the memory 130 may store listsG to list I. The lists G to I may be received from each of the remainingones of the plurality of terminals 210, 230 and 250, except for thefirst terminal 210. Further, referring to FIG. 3, the first listreceived from the first terminal 210 may include items such as “pet,”“movie,” “romance,” and “food.”

The list G may include items such as “pet,” “movie,” “SNS,” and “food.”The list H may include items such as “pet,” “romance,” “food,” and“baseball.” The list I may include items such as “religion,” “alcohol,”“restaurant,” “art,” and “pet.” The lists G to I are only embodimentsfor a description of the present disclosure, and the number of lists maybe proportional to the number of the plurality of terminals 230 and 250.Further, at least one item included in each of the lists G to I may beset variously.

The same items between the first list and the list G may be “pet,”“movie,” “romance,” and “food.” The same items between the first listand the list H may be “pet,” “romance,” and “food.” Further, the sameitems between the first list and the list I may be “pet.” In such acase, a list in which the number of the same item is reference number orhigher (e.g., three) may be the lists G and H. Accordingly, themediating device 100 may select the list H including the same item inwhich the number of the same item is highest among the lists G and H.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of selecting a list basedon scores assigned according to items ordered by priority rank accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 13,in operation S225, the mediating device 100 may assign different scoresfrom each other depending on the conformity degree between a priorityrank-assigned item among the at least one item included in the firstlist and a priority rank-assigned item included in each of the at leastone list. Referring to FIG. 4, the first-ranked item on the first listmay be the item of “pet,” the second-ranked item may be the item of“movie,” and the third-ranked item may be the item of “romance.”

The mediating device 100 may assign different scores to itemscorresponding to respective ranks. For example, the mediating device 100may assign “100” to the first-ranked item (e.g., “pet”) “70” to thesecond-ranked item (e.g., “movie”), and “30” to the third-ranked item(e.g., “romance”). In such a case, the sum of the scores of the firstlist may be “200.” In operation S236, the mediating device 100 maycalculate the sum of the scores of the prioritized items included in therespective lists received based on the sum of the lists (e.g., “200”).The method of calculating the scores may be described with reference toFIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a reference view illustrating a list including the same itemsas at least one item on the first list according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 14, the memory 130 maystore the lists J to L. The lists J to L may be received from each ofthe remaining ones of the plurality of terminals 210, 230 and 250,except for the first terminal 210. Referring to FIG. 3, the first listreceived from the first terminal 210 may include items such as “pet,”“movie,” “romance,” and “food.”

When the priority rank-assigned item on each of the lists J to Lincludes the same item as the priority rank-assigned item on the firstlist, the mediating device 100 may assign a score to the same item. Forexample, the first ranked item of the list J may be the item of “movie,”the second-ranked item may be the item of “love,” and the third-rankeditem may be the item of “religion.” In such a case, the first rankeditem (e.g., “movie”) and the second-ranked item (e.g., “romance”),respectively, may be the same as the second-ranked item (e.g., “movie”)and the first-ranked item (e.g., “romance) on the first list. Therefore,the mediating device 100 may assign a score to each of the first-rankeditem (e.g., “movie”) and the second-ranked item (e.g., “romance”) on thelist J. For example, the mediating device 100 may assign “80” to thefirst ranked item (e.g., “movie”) of the list H, and assign “40” to thesecond-ranked item (e.g., “romance”). The sum of the scores of the listH may be “120.”

When the same item on the list J as the priority rank-assigned item onthe first list is higher in priority than that on the first list, themediating device 100 may assign a score higher than the score given inthe first list to the same item. On the other hand, when the same itemon the list J as the priority rank-assigned item on the first list islower in priority than that on the first list, the mediating device 100may assign a score lower than the score given in the first list to thesame item. This is only one embodiment for a description of the presentdisclosure, and the score may be calculated based on various calculationmethods.

The first-ranked item on the list K may be “pet,” the second-ranked itemmay be “movie,” and the third-ranked item may be “romance.” In such acase, the first-ranked item (e.g., “pet”) and the second-ranked item(e.g., “movie”) on the list K, respectively, are the same as thefirst-ranked item (e.g., “pet”) and the second-ranked item (e.g.,“movie”) on the first list. Thus, the mediating device 100 may assign ascore to each of the first-ranked item (e.g., “pet”) and second-rankeditem (e.g., “movies”) on the list K. The same priority rank-assigneditems between the list K and the first list may be given the samepriority rank as each other. Accordingly, the first-ranked item and thesecond-ranked item on the list K, respectively, may be assigned scoreswhich are the same as ones which the mediating device 100 assigns to thefirst-ranked item and the second-ranked item on the first list. Themediating device 100 may assign “100” to the first-ranked item (e.g.,“pet”) on the list K and may assign “70” to the second-ranked item(e.g., “movie”) on the list K. The sum of the scores of the list K maybe “170.”

Finally, the first-ranked of the list L may be “romance,” thesecond-ranked item may be “pet,” and the third-ranked item may be“restaurant.” In such a case, the first-ranked item (e.g., “romance”)and the second-ranked item (e.g., “pet”) on the list L, respectively,are the same as the third-ranked item (e.g., “romance”) and thefirst-ranked item (e.g., “pet”). The mediating device 100 may assign ascore to each of the first-ranked item (e.g., “romance”) and thesecond-ranked item (e.g., “pet”) on the list L.

The first-ranked item on the list L (e.g., “romance”) may be the same asthe third-ranked item of the first list (e.g., “romance”). Accordingly,the mediating device 100 may assign “50” to the first-ranked item on thelist L (e.g., “romance”), which is higher than the score (e.g., “30”)assigned to the third-ranked item on the first list. The second-rankeditem on the list L (e.g., “pet”) may be the same as the first-rankeditem of the first list (e.g., “pet”). Accordingly, the mediating device100 may assign “90” to the second-ranked item on the list L (e.g.,“pet”), which is lower than the score (e.g., “100”) assigned to thefirst-ranked item on the first list. Further, the sum of the scores ofthe list L may be “140.”

Thus, the sum of the scores of the list J may be “120,” the sum of thescores of the list K may be “170,” and the sum of the scores of the listL may be “140.” The list with the highest sum of scores among list J tolist L is list K. The mediating device 100 may determine that the list Khas the highest level of correspondence with the first list.

Referring again to FIG. 13, in operation S226, the mediating device 100may select, as the second list, a list among the received at least onelist based on the assigned scores. The mediating device 100 may selectthe list K having the highest sum of the scores among the at least onelist (e.g., the lists J to L) as the second list.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching for a listincluding a specified item assigned by the mediating device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to 2 and 15, inoperation S310, the mediating device 100 may receive the first list fromthe first terminal 210 and may receive at least one list from at leastone terminal 230 and 250 different from the first terminal 210 with eachother.

In operation S320, the mediating device 100 may determine whether thefirst list includes the specified item designated by the mediatingdevice 100.

The specified item may include specific keywords associated with atleast one of a particular event, anniversary, event, or holiday. Forexample, a specified item in December may be “Christmas.” A specifieditem in February 2018 may be the “Winter Olympics.” The type of thespecified item is not limited to the above-described keyword but can beset to various kinds.

When the first item is determined to include a specific item designatedby the mediating device 100, the mediating device 100, in operationS330, may search for the second list including the same item as thespecified item among the received at least one list. In operation S340,the mediating device 100 may mediate between the first terminal 210 andthe second terminal providing the second list (e.g., the second terminal230 illustrated in FIG. 1) among the at least one terminal 230 and 250.Further, in operation 350, the mediating device 100 may transmitinformation on the same item to each of the first terminal 210 and thesecond terminal 230.

When the first list is determined not to include the specified itemdesignated by the mediating device 100 in operation S320, the mediatingdevice 100 may select, as the third list, a list including the same itemin which the number of the same item is a reference number or higheramong the received at least one list in operation S360. In operationS370, the mediating device 100 may mediate between the first terminaland the third terminal providing the third list (e.g., the thirdterminal 250 illustrated in FIG. 1) among the at least one terminal. Inoperation S380, the mediating device 100 may transmit information on thesame item to each of the first terminal 210 and the third terminal.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching for a terminalproviding a list including an item having the same category according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 16, inoperation S410, the mediating device 100 may receive the first list fromthe first terminal 210 and may receive at least one list from the atleast one terminal 230 and 250 different from the first terminal. Forexample, the at least one item included in the first list may be an itemdirectly input by a user of the first terminal 210. In operation S420,the mediating device 100 may determine whether there is a list includingthe same item as at least one among the at least one item included inthe first list among the received at least one list.

When there is a list including the same item as at least one among theat least one item included in the first list among the received at leastone list, the mediating device 100, in operation S430, may mediatebetween the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230 including thesame item. Further, in operation S440, the mediating device 100 maytransmit information on the same item to each of the first terminal 210and the second terminal 230. In such a case, the first terminal 210 maydisplay the information on the same item similarly to the methodillustrated in FIG. 8.

When there is no list including the same item as the at least one amongthe at least one item included in the first list among the received atleast one list, the mediating device 100, in operation S450, may mediatebetween the first terminal 210 and the third terminal 250 providing thethird list including the item fallen into the same category as one ofthe at least one among the at least one item included in the first listamong the at least one terminal 230 and 250. The category of the itemcan be described with reference to FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a reference view illustrating categories of items accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 17,information on categories of a plurality of items may be stored in thememory 130. The category may be a superordinate concept to the pluralityof items. For example, “movie” may be a category of various items suchas “romance movie,” “horror movie,” “thriller movie,” “comedy movie,”“science fiction movie,” “action movie,” “fantasy movie,” and “melodramamovie.”

“Exercise” may be a category of various items such as “football,”“baseball,” “basketball,” “jogging,” “cycling,” “swimming,” “workout,”“climbing,” “home training,” and “golf.” “SNS” may be a category ofvarious items such as “Facebook,” “Instagram,” “Twitter,” “Tumbler,” and“Kakaostory.”

The at least one item included in the first list may be “romance movie.”When there is no information including the “romance movie” item amongthe information stored in the memory 130, the mediating device 100 maydetermine whether the memory 130 has an item belonging to the category“movie.” For example, when there is an item of “comedy movie,” themediating device 100 may provide a mediation service between the firstterminal 210 and the terminal providing the information including theitem of “comedy movie.”

Referring again to FIG. 16, in operation S460, the mediating device 100may transmit information on categories to each of the first terminal 210and the third terminal 250. For example, when an item provided by eachof the first terminal 210 and the third terminal 250 belongs to thecategory of “movie,” the mediating device 100 may transmit informationon “movie” to the third terminal. In such a case, the first terminal 210may display information on “movie.” For example, the first terminal 210may display text such as “WE BOTH LIKE MOVIES!” and an image related to“movie.”

FIG. 18 is a reference view illustrating a method of adjusting the orderby priority rank of the at least one item in real-time according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 18, the firstterminal 210 may transmit the first list including items such as “pet”and “movie” to the mediating device 100. For example, “pet” may be thefirst-ranked item and “movie” may be the second-ranked item. Theinformation on the item to which the priority rank is designated may bedetermined by the mediating device 100 or may be provided from the userof the first terminal 210. The first list may further include an itemother than the items of “pet” and “movie.”

The second terminal 230 may transmit the second list including the itemof “pet” to the mediating device 100. For example, the item of “pet” maybe the first-ranked item. The second list may further include an itemother than the item of “pet.” As another example, “pet” may be one amongseveral items included in the second list. The third terminal 250 maytransmit the third list including the item of “movie” to the mediatingdevice 100. For example, the item of “movie” may be the first-rankeditem. The third list may include an item other than the item of “movie.”As another example, “movie” may be one among several items included inthe third list.

The mediating device 100 may mediate the first terminal 210 and the atleast one terminal 230 and 250 excluding the first terminal 210. Themediating device 100 may select the at least one terminal based on thefirst list received from the first terminal 210. For example, themediating device 100 may select the at least one terminal based on thepriority rank of the at least one item included in the first list. Themediating device 100 may select the at least one terminal based on theitem of “pet,” the first item of the first list. The mediating device100 may mediate between the first terminal 210 and the second terminal230 providing the second list including the item of “pet.”

The user of the first terminal 210 and the user of the second terminal230 may perform a video communication based on the mediation of themediating device 100. When the video call between the first terminal 210and the second terminal 230 is terminated, the mediating device 100 mayselect the next terminal to provide the mediation service to the firstterminal 210. The mediating device 100 may select at least one terminalbased on the item of “movie,” which is the second-ranked item in thefirst list. The mediating device 100 may mediate between the firstterminal 210 and the third terminal 250 providing the third listincluding the item of “movie.”

The mediating device 100 may determine whether the priority rank of atleast one item provided by the first terminal 210 matches the realsatisfaction level of mediation. The mediating device 100 may calculatethe satisfaction level of the user of the first terminal 210 while avideo communication is performed between the first terminal 210 and thesecond terminal 230. The mediating device 100 may calculate thesatisfaction level of the user of the first terminal 210 while a videocommunication is performed between the first terminal 210 and the secondterminal 230.

For example, an index for calculating the satisfaction level may bebased on at least one among a length of duration of a videocommunication, whether a user of the first terminal 210 transmits arequest for social relationship formation to a user of the secondterminal 230 or the third terminal 250, whether the user of the firstterminal 210 accepts the request of social relationship formationreceived from the user of the second terminal 230 or the user of thethird terminal 250, an amount of gifts or rewards transmitted to theuser of the second terminal 230 or the third terminal 250 by the user ofthe first terminal 210 during the video communication, or the number ofemoticons transmitted to the user of the second terminal 230 or thethird terminal 250 by the user of the first terminal 210 during thevideo communication.

As another example, an index for calculating the satisfaction level maybe based on at least one among the number of messages transmitted to theuser of the second terminal 230 or the third terminal 250 by the user ofthe first terminal 210 during the video communication, whether the userof the first terminal 210 is silent, a pitch, loudness, and tone of thevoice of the user of the first terminal 210 during the videocommunication, the number of laughing sounds detected in the voice ofthe user of the first terminal 210, the number of languages related toaffection or hate detected in the message transmitted by the user of thefirst terminal 210, the number of languages related to affection or hatedetected in the body language shown by the user of the first terminal210, whether the user of the first terminal 210 exchanges theidentification (ID) of a social networking service (SNS) or the phonenumber with the user of the second terminal 230 or the user of the thirdterminal 250, or whether the user of the first terminal 210 blocks orreports the user of the second terminal 230 or the user of the thirdterminal 250.

Based on the least one indicator of the satisfaction level, themediating device 100 may calculate a first satisfaction level betweenthe first terminal 210 and the second terminal 230 and a secondsatisfaction level between the first terminal 210 and the third terminal250, respectively. For example, the mediating device 100 may calculatethe first satisfaction while the user of the first terminal 210 and theuser of the second terminal 230 perform a video communication. Further,the mediating device 100 may calculate the second satisfaction while theuser of the first terminal 210 and the user of the third terminal 250perform a video communication.

Since the user of the first terminal 210 thinks that he or she is moreinterested in “pet” than “movie,” he or she may select “pet” and“movie,” respectively, as the first-ranked item and the second-rankeditem. However, as a result of the satisfaction level calculated by themediating device 100, the second satisfaction level may be higher thanthe first satisfaction level. In other words, in the actualconversation, the user of the first terminal 210 may feel a greatersatisfaction in conversation with a person having a common point about“movie” than a person having a common point about “pet.”

The mediating device 100 may adjust the priority rank of the items ofthe first terminal 210 based on the calculated satisfaction level. Forexample, when the second satisfaction level is higher than the firstsatisfaction level, the mediating device 100 may designate the item of“romance” as a new first-ranked item in the first list and the item of“pet” as a new second-ranked item in the first list. Further, themediating device 100 may match a terminal including the item of“romance” as a high-prioritized item to the first terminal by priority.

As described with reference to FIG. 18, the mediating device 100 maycalculate the satisfaction level of the user of the terminal in realtime. Further, the mediating device 100 may mediate the user of theother terminal to the user of the terminal based on the calculatedsatisfaction level. Therefore, the satisfaction level with the mediationfelt by the user of the terminal may be further improved.

FIG. 19 is a reference view illustrating a method of displaying aquestion for acquiring additional items except the at least one itemfrom the first terminal according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIG. 19, the mediating device 100 may transmita question to the first terminal 210 to acquire additional items. Forexample, the mediating device 100 may transmit a text such as “PLEASESELECT PREFERRED INTEREST! (REFLECTED IN NEXT MATCHING)” to the firstterminal 210.

The mediating device 100 may transmit at least one item so that the userof the first terminal 210 may select the item. For example, themediating device 100 may transmit items such as “music appreciation” and“restaurant” to the first terminal 210. The first terminal 210 maydisplay the received text and items. The user of the first terminal 210may generate a list of interests by selecting a more preferred itemamong the items of “music appreciation” and “restaurant.” Those are onlyfor the description of one embodiment for a description of the presentdisclosure, and the mediating device 100 may transmit various types oftext and items to the first terminal 210. For example, the mediatingdevice 100 may transmit a text such as “PLEASE ENTER YOUR INTERESTS!” tothe first terminal 210 and may directly receive an item of interest fromthe user of the first terminal 210.

The mediating device 100 may periodically transmit a question foracquiring a list of interests to the first terminal 210. Further, afterthe first terminal 210 is mediated with one terminal, the mediatingdevice 100 may transmit the question to the first terminal 210 during awaiting time before being mediated with the other terminal. Further,when the first terminal 210 connects to the mediating device 100, themediating device 100 may transmit the question to the first terminal210. For example, the mediating device 100 may transmit the question tothe first terminal 210 whenever the first terminal 210 connects to themediating device 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited tothis, and the mediating device 100 may transmit the question to thefirst terminal 210 whenever the first terminal 210 connects to themediating device 100 a specific number of times or more. Further, themediating device 100 may randomly transmit the question to the firstterminal 210, irrespective of the number of times the first terminal 210connects to the mediating device 100. The mediating device 100 mayselect the next matching terminal based on the answer of the user of thefirst terminal 210.

The embodiment as described above may be embodied in a non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium having recorded thereoncomputer-executable instruction codes, such as a program moduleexecutable by the computer. The non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium may be any available medium which can be accessed bythe computer and may include any volatile and non-volatile media and anyremovable and non-removable media.

Furthermore, the non-transitory computer-readable recording medium mayinclude any computer storage medium and communication medium. Thecomputer storage medium may include any volatile and non-volatile mediaor any removable and non-removable media embodied by a specific methodor technology for storing information such as computer-readableinstruction codes, a data structure, a program module, or other data.The communication medium may include computer-readable instruction code,a data structure, a program module, other data of modulated datasignals, or other transmission mechanisms, and may include anyinformation transmission medium.

At least one of the components, elements, modules or units (collectively“components” in this paragraph) represented by a block in the drawings,such as the controller 120, the list manager 121, and the mediator 122,may be embodied as various numbers of hardware, software and/or firmwarestructures that execute respective functions described above, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. For example, at least one of thesecomponents may use a direct circuit structure, such as a memory, aprocessor, a logic circuit, a look-up table, etc. that may execute therespective functions through controls of one or more microprocessors orother control apparatuses. Also, at least one of these components may bespecifically embodied by a module, a program, or a part of code, whichcontains one or more executable instructions for performing specifiedlogic functions, and executed by one or more microprocessors or othercontrol apparatuses. Further, at least one of these components mayinclude or may be implemented by a processor such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) that performs the respective functions, amicroprocessor, or the like. Two or more of these components may becombined into one single component which performs all operations orfunctions of the combined two or more components. Also, at least part offunctions of at least one of these components may be performed byanother of these components. Further, although a bus is not illustratedin the above block diagrams, communication between the components may beperformed through the bus. Functional aspects of the above exemplaryembodiments may be implemented in algorithms that execute on one or moreprocessors. Furthermore, the components represented by a block orprocessing steps may employ any number of related art techniques forelectronics configuration, signal processing and/or control, dataprocessing and the like.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodimentshould typically be considered as available for other similar featuresor aspects in other embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   100: mediating device    -   110: input/output interface    -   120: controller    -   130: memory    -   210, 230, 250: terminal

1. A mediating method comprising: receiving a first list including atleast one item from a first terminal and receiving at least one listfrom at least one terminal different from the first terminal; searchingfor a list including an item corresponding to at least one item amongthe at least one item of the first list, among the received at least onelist; and transmitting information on the corresponded item, accordingto a result of the search, to each of the first terminal and a terminal,which provides the list including the item corresponding to the at leastone item, among the at least one terminal.
 2. The mediating method ofclaim 1, wherein the searching for the list includes: searching for asecond list including the same item as the at least one item of thefirst list, in which the number of the same item is a reference numberor higher among the received at least one list; and mediating the firstterminal and a second terminal providing the second list among the atleast one terminal, and wherein the transmitting the informationincludes transmitting information on the same item between the firstlist and the second list to each of the first terminal and the secondterminal.
 3. The mediating method of claim 2, wherein the searching forthe list further comprises: selecting, when the number of listsincluding the same item in which the number of the same item is thereference number or higher is two or more among the received at leastone list, a third list including the same item in which the number ofthe same item is highest among the two or more lists; and mediating thefirst terminal and a third terminal providing the third list, andwherein the transmitting the information further comprises transmittinginformation on the same item between the first list and the third listto each of the first terminal and the third terminal.
 4. The mediatingmethod of claim 1, wherein the searching for the list includes:assigning different scores from each other, depending on the conformitydegree between a priority rank-assigned item among the at least one itemincluded in the first list and a priority rank-assigned item included ineach of the received at least one list, to the items; and selecting asecond list among the received at least list based on the assignedscores.
 5. The mediating method of claim 4, wherein a list having thehighest assigned score is selected from the received at least one listas the second list.
 6. The mediating method of claim 1, wherein the atleast one item included in the first list corresponds to at least one ofgender information, private area information, school information, hobbyinformation, specialty information, interest information, or religioninformation of a user of the first terminal.
 7. The mediating method ofclaim 1, wherein the searching for the list includes: searching for asecond list including the same item as a specified item designated by amediating device, which is included in the first list among the receivedat least one list; and mediating, when detecting the second list, thefirst terminal and a second terminal providing the second list among theat least one terminal, and wherein the transmitting the informationincludes transmitting information on the same item between the firstlist and the second list to each of the first terminal and the secondterminal.
 8. The mediating method of claim 7, wherein the searching forthe list further comprises: searching for, when failing to detect thesecond list, a third list including the same item as the at least oneitem of the first list, in which the number of the same item is areference number or higher among the received at least one list; andmediating the first terminal and a third terminal providing the thirdlist, and wherein the transmitting the information further comprisestransmitting information on the same item between the first list and thethird list to each of the first terminal and the third terminal.
 9. Themediating method of claim 1, wherein the searching for the listincludes: searching for a second list including the same item as atleast one among the at least one item, which is included in the firstlist among the received at least one list; and mediating, when detectingthe second list, the first terminal and a second terminal providing thesecond list, and wherein the transmitting the information includestransmitting information on the same item between the first list and thesecond list to each of the first terminal and the second terminal. 10.The mediating method of claim 9, wherein the searching for the listfurther comprises: searching for, when failing to detect the secondlist, a third list including an item fallen in the same category as thatof the at least one among the at least one item of the first list amongthe received at least one list; and mediating the first terminal and athird terminal providing the third list, and wherein the transmittingthe information further comprises transmitting information on thecategory to each of the first terminal and the third terminal.
 11. Anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recordedthereon a program for executing mediating method of claim
 1. 12. Amediating device comprising: an input/output interface configured toreceive a first list including at least one item from a first terminaland to receive at least one list from at least one terminal differentfrom the first terminal; a controller configured to: search a secondlist including an item corresponding to a first-ranked item among the atleast one item included in the first list among the received at leastone list; mediate between the first terminal and a second terminalproviding the second list to perform a first video communicationaccording a result of the search; calculate a first satisfaction levelof a user of the first terminal during the first video communication;search for, after the first video communication is finished, a thirdlist including an item corresponding to a second-ranked item among theat least one item included in the first list among the received at leastone list; mediate between the first terminal and a third terminalproviding the third list to perform a second video communicationaccording a result of the search; calculate a second satisfaction levelof a user of the first terminal during the second video communication;compare the first satisfaction level and the second satisfaction level;and adjust the priority rank of the first-ranked item and thesecond-ranked item according to the result of the comparison; and amemory configured to store the first list through the third list. 13.The mediating device of claim 12, wherein the controller adjusts thesecond-ranked item of the first list to a new first-ranked item, andadjusts the first-ranked item to a new second-ranked item when thesecond satisfaction level is higher than the first satisfaction level.14. The mediating device of claim 12, wherein the first satisfactionlevel is calculated based on duration of the first video communication,and the second satisfaction level is calculated based on duration of thesecond video communication.